Opposition parties in South Africa have urged the president to resist pressure from the US following the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who was given 72 hours to leave the country. The US declared Rasool persona non grata after Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled him a "race-baiting politician who hates America."
Relations between South Africa and the US have deteriorated since President Donald Trump took office. South Africa's Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, emphasized the importance of direct dialogue over "Twitter diplomacy," suggesting that face-to-face discussions are necessary.
Some politicians responded more aggressively. Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) criticized the US, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to stand firm against what they described as bullying by the "orange clown" in the White House. The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) also condemned the US action, viewing it as an infringement on South Africa's sovereignty and an attempt to influence its policies.
PAC Secretary General Apa Pooe stated, "South Africa is not a puppet of the US; we have the right to self-governance without external interference." Trump has openly criticized South Africa's land reform bill, which permits land expropriation without compensation under certain conditions. Last month, Trump reduced aid to South Africa, citing alleged discrimination against the white Afrikaner minority, a claim South Africa denies.
Rasool, who previously served as ambassador from 2010 to 2015 under President Obama, was reappointed in 2024 due to his experience and connections in Washington. Despite his credentials, he has struggled to secure meetings with Trump. An anonymous South African diplomat noted that Rasool's "pro-Palestine politics" might hinder his effectiveness in the role.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a coalition partner in South Africa's government, questioned why the African National Congress (ANC) continues to control diplomatic appointments despite being a minority party. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp called for coalition members to be involved in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with Washington.